ST. PAUL – Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in Minnesota from sunrise until sunset today (Friday) in honor and remembrance of Marine Corps sergeant and Delano resident Dillion Semolina.
Semolina was born Nov. 22, 1991, in Chaska and graduated from Delano High School in 2010. He became the company guide in boot camp and received a meritorious promotion to Lance Corporal.
The 24-year-old died Jan. 14 along with 11 other Marines who had been inside two helicopters that crashed off Hawaii. Semolina, who had been in the Marines for 4 years, was a crew chief with the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron based in Hawaii.
Semolina is survived by his wife Laurie, his parents Mike and Lisa, grandparents, biological father Kevin, sisters Isabella and Celeste and brothers Gregory and Gabriel.
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A celebration of Semolina's life is today in Bloomington, followed by interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
